Internal tests conducted recently show that the average download speed on Smart’s LTE service is 21.5 Mbps in North NCR areas covering Quezon City, Caloocan, Valenzuela, Novaliches, Malabon, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Pasig, Manila, Makati, Pasay, and Marikina. An average of 14.4 Mbps was reached in South NCR areas Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, Taguig and Parañaque.

These figures were bolstered by results of the latest J.P.Morgan Asia Network Quality study, which found that LTE availability in Metro Manila has increased from 49 percent at the start of the year to 63 percent in the latest study.

AXN announced that international pop sensation Jay Park will join the judges’ table on the highly anticipated Asia’s Got Talent Season 2.

Jay, an award-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and savvy entrepreneur, CEO and founder of two successful record labels, will take the coveted hot seat alongside the show’s returning judges, the 16-time Grammy Award-winning music producer David Foster and internationally acclaimed singer and World Music Award winner Anggun.

The three judges, who arrived in Singapore today to start production of Asia’s Got Talent next week, will be tasked with judging hundreds of acts from 17 countries across the region.

Every Pinoy traveler’s dream destination includes The Land of the Rising Sun. And why wouldn’t it be, the place is screaming with so much culture and life, and every attraction is bucket-list worthy: the gleaming temples and architectures, modern cityscapes a la sci-fi film, stunning parks in vibrant colors, heavenly hot springs all begging to be explored. Its fusion of ancient traditions and modern technology makes it an endless discovery and a country that holds a lot of surprises. In fact, Japan is the fourth most-visited country in Asia last year according to the World Tourism Organization, so it’s no doubt that it’s on top of most people’s bucket lists.

Kyoto: A time-warp to old century Japan

If Tokyo is the loud, beating heart of Japan, Kyoto is its more peaceful soul. This city is bursting with history and tradition, you’ll be amazed with how its century-old culture and architectures have remained intact up to this day.

Walk through the green wonderland that is the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, pass by the historic castles dating from ancient eras, admire the aesthetic pathway of Fushimi Inari Shrine, and experience the Japanese way of life by trying the delectable cuisine like the Kyoto’s popular kaiseki meal. One of the city’s highlights is the Kinkaku-ji, also called the golden pavilion, which sits in a lush of greenery surrounded by water where you can be one with nature. A trip to Kyoto won’t be complete without visiting this renowned Buddhist temple, so don’t forget to take photos while you’re there!

The city is also home to lovely cherry blossom trees and colorful geisha culture. With its reflective spirit and calm vibe, Kyoto is an amazing experience that you won’t get enough of.

Where to stay

Located at the heart of Kyoto lies Karaksa Hotel, a three-star leisure hotel that is a total bang for your buck. Think star-ranked hotels’ hospitality and facilities in a completely affordable price. It’s very accessible to the Arashiyama and is only 3 minutes away from Omiya station, so it’s a smart hotel option after a long day of exploration in the city.

The gastronomic adventure that is Osaka

Osaka is a dynamic city. For instance, it’s the food capital of Japan, so it’s the ultimate go-to place for binge-eating. If you’re in quest for the yummiest authentic Japanese eats like takoyaki, horumon and okonomiyaki just head to Dotonbori or Shinsekai. Name it, they have it. The city is also home to popular tourist attractions such as Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum, Osaka Castle, and Universal Studios Japan.

For those who like to observe city skylines, Japan’s tallest skyscraper, Abeno Harukas, has an observation deck called Harukas 300 where you can admire the city’s sweeping views 300 meters high. While you’re there, you can visit the Kintetsu Department Store and Art Museum just a few floors below. The nightlife is also flourishing here, so be sure to be wide awake at night while exploring its happy streets.

Where to stay

At the end of the day, have a good rest at the comfortable rooms of Karaksa Hotel, a leisure hotel just a few walks away from Osaka’s main shopping district, Shinsaibashi. Osaka Shinsaibashi I is located at 1-6-9 Bakuroumachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, just a 5-minute walk from Sakaisuji-Hommachi Station /Nagahoribashi Station.

Come home to Karaksa

Whether you went to get cultured at Kyoto or eat your heart out in Osaka, you can come home to the inviting comfort of Karaksa Hotel, especially designed for the smart Asian traveller.

Inside, there’s everything you need for a cozy stay. The rooms are fully-air conditioned and equipped with hot and cold shower, all of which contains the basic necessities like the latest flat screen TV, universal sockets with USB ports, bath towels, hair dryer, suitcase storage under the bed, Japanese-style bidet, mini refrigerator, toothbrush set, shampoo, conditioner and face soap, pajamas, sanitized slippers. There’s also a mini desk area if you have an urgent work to check. The room sizes include double decker and Hollywood twin for 2 adults and their child, and connecting room for group of friends or bigger families. The average room size is 18 sqm.

Its interiors are charming—every corner is a minimalist’s haven. The hotel is an experience itself: their amenities include a smoking space, and prayer room for the Muslim guests. A high-speed Wi-Fi service is also installed in the whole building, so you won’t easily get bored. Guests can also assure their important belongings are safe with their safety deposit box.

The overall vibe of the place feels like home–you can chance upon its Filipino receptionists, and there’s a TFC channel in your room television when you feel a little home sick. That’s because it has a touch of Pinoy: the hotel’s owner, Xymax Corporation, Japan's premier asset property management company has teamed up with Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC), one of the leading property developers in the Philippines. RLC is the official Sales and Marketing agent of Karaksa Hotel in the country.

The Osaka branch features a laundry area and a leisure space with massage chairs and a wide array of vendo machines for snacks, toys and souvenirs, plus dining sets for eating or chatting with your companions. The Kyoto branch, on the other hand, features only twin rooms: Bunk and High Floor for up to 2 persons and Hollywood for groups and families.

A trip to Japan most likely comes with a hefty price tag, especially since the country is screaming with lots of attractions to put in your itinerary. To maximize your experience, start by choosing an affordable hotel to stay in. Karaksa Hotel is a great value for money, complete with basic amenities and comfortable accommodation. It's slightly cheaper compared to other hotels of the same kind in the city, but it offers a top-star hotel experience that won’t hurt your wallet.

Whether you grab a seat sale or impulsively book a tour to Japan, fret not!

Karaksa Hotel, in partnership with Go Hotels, will open five more branches before the Tokyo Olympics 2020: Hokkaido, Sapporo, Tokyo Ginza, Shin-Osaka and Namba to cater more budget travelers. You can expect the Namba branch to open this November.

Filipino standout Joshua “The Passion” Pacio had a memorable trip to Macao a year ago when he competed at ONE Championship’s inaugural live event in the Chinese suburb known as “Oyster City.”

The 21-year-old native of Baguio City, Benguet competed on the undercard of ONE: HEROES OF THE WORLD, where he defeated gritty Thai grappler Kritsada Kongsrichai by way of first-round submission.

Proving that Team Lakay fighters are not isolated in the striking department, Pacio effortlessly took Kongsrichai down to the mat and fastened a rear-naked choke to force his Thai foe to tap at the 4:37 mark of the first round.

adidas Football has today dropped its latest colourway for NEMEZIZ 17+ 360 AGILITY – the brand’s latest boot innovation. Designed to enhance the performance of the game’s most agile players, NEMEZIZ is inspired by the idea of ‘taping’; a process used commonly in sport to deliver security, support and adaptability.

Getting to the top requires a lot from you. Staying there demands even more. Balancing both work and your personal life, while keeping an active, healthy lifestyle, can take a toll on both mind and body, even more as you age. This is why it is important to be equipped with all the right tools, and to take time out to relax and recharge. Last July 23, Bayer Philippines held the Rogin-E Man Hub 2017, at the SM City Cebu – a whole-day event especially designed for men who want to stay on top of their game. Attendees tried out activities that showcased different interests and passions. There were luxury cars and motorbikes for those who love speed and mobility; equipment for adventure sports and packages for exciting trips to Japan and New Zealand for those who want to stretch the limits of their physical strength and power; and a selection of gadgets and hobbies to engage a man’s mind and body.

Filipina fighter Jomary Torres sees it as a privilege to be fighting side-by-side with fellow homegrown martial artists on the undercard of ONE: KINGS & CONQUERORS in Macao. China on Saturday, August 5.

Torres, who squares off with rising Thai superstar Rika “Tinydoll” Ishige on the aforementioned card, relishes the opportunity to represent the Philippines alongside combat veteran Eric Kelly as well as one-time flyweight world title challenger Joshua “The Passion” Pacio.

Be one of 10 winners of Php50,000 worth of Shell fuel vouchers by joining Citi Credit Cards’ Swipe for a Million raffle promotion! Simply use your Citi credit card to earn one raffle entry, no minimum spend required. You can also take home Php1,000,000 cash credits or a P&G gift pack worth Php10,000.

Saturday, July 29, 2017

Colgate, the Toothpaste brand most recommended by Dentists*, officially introduces to the Philippine market the Colgate Active Salt Toothpaste, its first toothpaste that contains the natural goodness of salt. Colgate Active Salt formula combines salt with calcium and minerals and with regular brushing, helps fight germs for healthy gums and strong teeth.

Ayala Malls Cinemas brings the biggest independent film festival in the country closer to the audience as the 13th Cinemalaya Film Festival opens on August 5 -13 at Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 1, TriNoma, Fairview Terraces, U.P. Town Center, and now reaching Pampanga audiences at MarqueeMall.

From the Producers of “Lone Survivor” and “2 Guns” comes action-thriller “First Kill” that puts the audience at the edge of your seats, scene after scene. The movie stars Golden Globe nominee (“Life as a House”) Hayden Christensen with iconic action star and Golden Globe winner (“Moonlighting”) Bruce Willis.When Will Beamon (Christensen), a successful Wall Street broker finds out that his 11-year-old son Danny (Ty Shelton) is being bullied in school, he takes him on a hunting trip in a small rural town to grow their father-son relationship.

Shopping aficionados and fashionistas can score the most exclusive finds at the Great Singapore Sale (GSS), Asia’s biggest shopping extravaganza, as it continues until August 13. Presented by the Singapore Retailers Association (SRA) and Singapore Tourism Board (STB), it offers the best deals and bargains from the hottest brands, making every shopaholic’s dreams come true.

“Singapore is truly a shopper’s haven and once more, the Great Singapore Sale welcomes our visitors to experience the biggest shopping spree in Southeast Asia,” said Lael Loh, STB Area Director for Philippines.

In today’s fast-paced and connected world, there is a digital solution for almost every imaginable need. Mobile applications become the means by which we navigate through everyday tasks, everything from shopping to hailing a cab.

But it’s easy to be inundated with the constant influx of these digital portals, with some complicating matters rather simplifying them. Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank) showcases how it has simplified banking for its clients with the introduction of various digital solutions in a new series of commercials that was launched on its social media channels and various TV channels.

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Filipino mixed martial arts (MMA) veteran Eric “The Natural” Kelly has been competing as a featherweight since he started his prizefighting stint eight years ago in the flourishing Philippine combat scene.

After spending most of his career as a featherweight with 15 professional bouts, Kelly decided to venture into a new territory as he moves up in another weight class.

The 35-year-old native of Baguio City, Benguet makes his lightweight debut against Japanese MMA legend Kotetsu “No Face” Boku on the undercard of ONE: KINGS & CONQUERORS, which takes place at the glamorous Cotai Arena of The Venetian Macao in Macao, China.

With Season 2 coming this September, Spartan: Ultimate Team Challenge Season 1 returns to television with the world’s most brutal one-mile obstacle course that only the strongest, fastest, and most united teams can overcome. Teams of five two women, two men, and one Spartan elite submit to a trial of solidarity that will send each of them through fire, mud, barbed wire, and even more extreme obstacles for the ultimate grand prize of $250,000.

This mid-range wonder is packed with amazing features such as 8MP + 5MP camera, 3,000 mAh battery life and a 4G LTE capacity. To top these off, this newest hip and stylish device only retails at Php 5, 890 – surely today’s best choice for a budget smartphone!

The Huawei Y5 2017 will be available via Huawei Experience stores nationwide starting today, July 24, 2017. You can also grab yours at 0% interest via Home Credit for 6 months.

Google introduces Be Internet Awesome, an initiative that teaches kids the fundamentals of digital citizenship and safety so they can explore the online world with confidence. It comes with materials for parents and educators, as well as an online adventure called Interland which teaches kids key lessons of digital safety through four challenging games in four virtual worlds:

Tower of Secrets to protect themselves from hackers

Kind Kingdom to highlight why it’s cool to be kind while using the internet

Reality River to make them aware about fake things they can find online

Mindful Mountain to teach them how to be mindful with the things they share online

From Simon West, director of iconic action movies such as “Con Air,” “The Mechanic” and “The Expendables 2” comes “Hard Target” (aka Stratton), the latest non-stop action movie to explode in theaters on August 9.Based on the real-life heroic accounts of former Special Boat Service commando Duncan Falconer turned scribe, “Hard Target” is the first movie made from his eight-novel series. Members of the Special Boat Service (SBS) are trained individuals who are part of the UK Special Forces, they have been on active duty since its inception in 1940.

HBO has released a new trailer for GAME OF THRONES season 7 at the San Diego Comic Con, including never-before-seen snippets from upcoming episodes. Watch the “Game of Thrones” Season 7 “Weeks Ahead Preview" released in Hall H at Comic-Con International.The hit series premieres in Asia the same time as the U.S. every Monday at 9am, with a same day primetime encore at 9pm, exclusively on HBO. The series will also stream on HBO GO.

Traveloka, Southeast Asia’s leading travel booking app for accommodation and flights, will be having another major sale this July 28. This one day flash sale promises huge deals on hotels and airfare and should not be missed.

“We’re always looking to give our travelers the very best packages on hotels and flights," said Poch Ceballos, Traveloka’s Country Manager.“And the Traveloka one day flash sales are usually where they can get the very best deals.”

The world’s most international festival brand, ULTRA Worldwide, returns to Manila for the third annual edition of Road to ULTRA Philippines on September 15, as it reveals the all-star lineup for its 2017 edition.

Having last performed in the Philippines in 2014, Hardwell has been confirmed to headline the event, joined by German hitmaker, Zedd, who on his last visit to the capital city performed to an astonishing 12,000 people.

The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced three additional bouts to ONE: KINGS & CONQUERORS, set for the Cotai Arena at The Venetian Macao on 5 August.

The main event features ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano Fernandes of Brazil who will defend his title against top contender Andrew Leone of the United States. In addition to the blockbuster headlining bout, Kairat Akhmetov will face Adriano Moraes to crown the undisputed ONE Flyweight World Champion in the evening’s co-main event. Also added to the card is Toni Tauru and Leandro Issa, who will be competing in a bantamweight contest, as well as middleweights Marcin Prachnio and Gilberto Galvão.

Home to blockbuster films such as “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” the Resident Evil franchise, and the James Bond movies “Spectre” and “Skyfall,” the Sony-owned company marks its return to local movie distribution with the crowd-pleasing motion picture produced by T-Rex Entertainment Productions.

Nike Basketball redefines the limits of the game this season with its latest and most innovative shoe – the Nike React Hyperdunk 2017 Flyknit. Designed to extend the shoe’s legacy with its action-oriented nature expressed in sleek, minimalistic lines, the newest Hyperdunk sports a modern twist to its classic look.

Tucked inside its very soul is the game-changer for cushioning. Called React, the all-new Nike foam is quite the experience. Soft and ultra responsive as it is strong and stable, the cushioning foam reacts swiftly to every step, then bounces back to its original state, ensuring the player a consistent energy uplift every minute of every game. Born from thousands of hours of basketball testing inside the Nike Sports Research Lab, it is the most energetic and durable, breakthrough foam you can find in Nike Basketball. There is simply no other shoe in the brand’s history that has delivered better energy return than the Hyperdunk 2017 Flyknit.

Filipino newcomer Jomary Torres sets her sights on a colossal goal in her ONE Championship debut as she aims to make a statement against up-and-coming Thai martial arts superstar Rika “Tinydoll” Ishige.

Both ladies are set to square off against each other on the undercard of ONE: KINGS & CONQUERORS, which takes place at the glamorous Cotai Arena of The Venetian Macao in Macao, China on 5 August.

Torres, who holds a fledgling professional mixed martial arts (MMA) record of 1-0, is not expecting to be other competitor’s footstool to move up in the rankings as she intends to walk out with the victory in her first appearance as a ONE Championship athlete.

Sunday, July 23, 2017

Owen Wilson provides the voice once again for the beloved character Lightning McQueen in Disney - Pixar's “Cars 3,”due in Philippine cinemas July 26.

McQueen is a world champion racer who’s riding high with five Piston-Cup wins under his hood. Suddenly, he finds himself faced with a new generation of racers who threaten not only his dominance in the sport—but the confidence that got him there.

Determined to get back to the pole position, the #95 must decide if his love for racing is enough to fuel the comeback of his life.

After receiving acclaim for her performance as one of Immortan Joe’s wives in Mad Max: Fury Road, Zoe Kravitz (Divergent saga) now stars as the straight-laced friend who may be hiding a dark side, in Columbia Pictures’ new adult comedy “Rough Night" (in Philippine cinemas August 9, 2017).

Starring Scarlett Johansson, Kate McKinnon, Jillian Bell, Ilana Glazer, and Zoë Kravitz, “Rough Night” is about five friends from college who reunite when they rent a beach house in Miami for a wild bachelorette weekend that goes completely off the rails. Just when all hope is lost, they realize there’s more to the story than they could’ve ever imagined.

Columbia Pictures’ heist thriller “Baby Driver,” one of the year’s best-reviewed films, with a 95% Fresh Rating at Rotten Tomatoes, will have whole-day sneak previews on Monday and Tuesday, July 24 & 25 nationwide. Tickets will be available at regular admission prices.

The most unlikely couples find their hands full in taking in more than they can handle in the new reality series “Kicking & Screaming,” which premieres this August on AXN.

Ten survival experts are paired with hapless amateurs who have no experience in living outdoors as they fight their way through a series of challenges in a remote jungle of a South Pacific island where they must overcome dangerous animals, raging rivers, hunger, and extreme weather.

Hygienix launches their full range of anti-bacterial products with a splash

Join #Hygienix in its #FightWorldGermination Campaign. Oh no! The #Germperor has sent the most vicious #Germdugo to terrorize humans by spreading germs, unpleasant odors and sickness. But fear not! The Hygienix Shower Rangers are here to the rescue! Each Shower Ranger is armed with a special weapon to make bath time with Hygienix Germicidal Soap fun yet effective for the entire family!

•Germ Killer kills 99.99% of disease-causing germs and bacteria

•Non-Drying Formula keeps your skin soft and moisturized

•Refreshing Scent gives you a cool, refreshing scent

•Super Sulit makes it affordable, with a PhP 12 SRP

Hygienix is a complete system of antibacterial products so you can #FightWorldGermination wherever you are!

The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has announced that its inaugural event in Surabaya, Indonesia, ONE: CONQUEST OF KINGS initially set for 29 July, is currently being rescheduled due to logistical issues and has been postponed as of further notice.ONE Championship has always put on incredible live events in Indonesia, and four additional events are being planned in the country for 2018. Fans can expect to see Indonesian martial arts superstars in featured bouts such as “The Terminator” Sunoto, Stefer Rahardian, and Anthony “The Archangel” Engelen, to name a few.

The action ante just reached maximum level in the latest full trailer reveal of “Kingsman: The Golden Circle,” sequel to the sleeper hit “Kingsman: The Secret Service” that has already grossed more than US$400 million worldwide.

If he secures an impressive triumph in his upcoming bout, Filipino standout Joshua “The Passion” Pacio might place himself on the verge of another shot at the ONE Strawweight World Championship title.

However, the 21-year-old native of Baguio City, Benguet revealed that he is not in a hurry and would rather take the long road to a second championship crack than prematurely vie for the gold-plated strap.

Thursday, July 20, 2017

Solane, the country’s leading LPG solutions provider, in partnership with Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation (PSPC), recently conducted a medical and dental mission at the Shell refinery in Tabangao, Batangas. Over a thousand residents from nearby communities availed of the free medical and dental services.

Mountain Dew recently brought the most exhilarating activities to the center of Bonifacio Global City for an epic weekend made for adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers alike.

An entire block in the Heart of BGC was transformed into Dew Nation HQ, which boasted a slew of exhilarating activities. “A first in the Philippines, Mountain Dew’s campaign challenges consumers to stop being spectators and take part in pursuing the things they’re passionate about. It was truly a thrilling sight to see so many Filipinos that actually answered our call and made it to the Dew Nation HQ for a chance to partake in vigorousactivities around like-minded people who share the same passions and lifestyle." said Kay Paras, PepsiCo Flavors Category Manager.

Are you ready to make HISTORY again, Manila? The biggest entertainment convention is coming back for its second year in the Philippines and it’s going to be an action-packed four days from August 10 to 13 at the World Trade Center. HISTORY Con 2017, promoted by Viva Entertainment, is bigger, better and bolder than ever with more popular celebrities coming to visit, over 300 exhibitors’ displays to explore, three new world records to attempt,and a whole lot more.

The National MILO Marathon, the country’s most accessible national race, announced the official opening of its 41st season. The first of the 16 races is set to kick-off in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan on July 16. With new features and race locations added for the fresh cycle ahead, MILO expects to see around 200,000 participants from across the country compete in 3km, 5km, 10km, 21km, and 42km distance categories.

Is the busy workweek getting you down? Indulge your cravings and treat yourself to your Japanese favorites at FamilyMart! Thanks to the go-to place for your everyday needs, grabbing a quick, delicious bite to keep you sustained throughout the day has never been easier.

Seda Vertis North, the sixth property of the Seda brand by AyalaLand Hotels and Resorts, is now open at the emerging Vertis North business and commercial district in Diliman, Quezon City.

Seda Vertis North is the first large format hotel of the homegrown chain, offering 438 guestrooms and suites. Owing to the newfound popularity of Quezon City as a corporate location, Seda Vertis North was designed as the premier and biggest hotel catering to business travellers in the northern part of the metropolis.

About Me

One who loves food and know if it's worth your hard earned money
For my readers.. if you have some food or delicacy you would like for me to try out... please shell out your ideas and I'll try my best to give it a fair review. For restaurant reviews... and if you want to be featured on this site, we have food group bloggers interested to cover and promote your products and give reviews as well.... just treat us to a meal.. and we would gladly oblige. Shoot us an email at abetstone@hotmail.com for product reviews, product launches, hotel reviews, and everything else under the sun

Disclaimer

All logos and pictures are copyrights of their own brands, if in anyway this has been abused or misused by this website, please feel free to contact me and the picture/logo will be deleted immediately.